For the first time in its 24-year history, Cinéfest will begin with a feature film shot right here in Greater Sudbury.

The Riverbank, which most Sudburians will know as Tracing Iris, is scheduled to open the festival Sept. 15.

Festival director Tammy Frick said after watching the film, it was the obvious choice for launching into a week of Canadian, international and independent film.
“Our audiences are going to love it,” she said. “It has that feel of 'northern Ontario.' The cinematography is beautiful.”

The film's producer, Paul Stephens, and its director, John L'Ecuyer, were both at the media event to announce the film's vital role at Cinéfest.

Stephens said when it screens in Sudbury, The Riverbank will make its “world premiere.”

The film was shot locally, using about 80 per cent local crew members. Stephens said he enjoyed his visit to Sudbury.

“The community really opened their arms to us,” he said. “We had a wonderful experience here.”

Along with showcasing the growing film industry in Greater Sudbury, this year's edition of Cinéfest will continue to illustrate what's happening in film at a variety of levels.

Frick and Patrick O'Hearn, managing directors of Cinéfest, also announced a number of films in the special presentations, world cinema and Canadian features that will be screening at the festival.

Special presentations include Rebelle, All In Good Time, Rust and Bone, The Hunt, No, Amour and Stories We Tell. World cinema productions screening include Citadel and The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia. A number of Canadian films, like Blackbird, The Disappeared, Every Emotion Costs and Margarita were also unveiled.

Along with the opening gala, Frick announced some of the other gala presentations. On Sept. 18, Midnight's Children will screen. On Sept. 19, audiences can catch A Royal Affair. Then, on Sept. 22, Still takes the screen.

All Cinéfest screenings take place at Silver City. For more information about the festival or the films that will be screening, visit www.cinefest.com. Tickets will be available as of Aug. 8.

Posted by Arron Pickard